Meds After Surgery

PAIN MEDICATIONS (Lortab, Norco,Ultram, Darvocet, Tylenol 3, etc.)

Prescription pain medicines are for severe pain following surgery. It is recommended to take these 2-4 hours following your surgery prior to the numbing wearing off and to continue every 4-6 hours for a total of 24 hours. For severe pain, you can take two Lortab every 4 hours. Also you can alternate one or two prescription pain pills (those with Tylenol –Acetaminophine- in them such as Lortab, Vicodin, Tyelenol 3) with two or three Advil every few hours for severe pain. These medicines may cause mild stomach aches, so take with food. After this, nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory medicines such as Advil will take care of most discomfort and help with swelling.

If you develop severe throbbing pain 3-4 days after your surgery which is not relieved with pain medication, notify our office.

MEDROL DOSE PACK

The short dose of oral steroids greatly diminishes facial swelling. The Medrol Dose Pak is a tapering dose pack which should begin the day before your surgery, complete all of “First Day” row. On the morning of your surgery take ONE TABLET of “Second Day” row before coming to our office with a sip of water. You will finish “Second Day” row during the remainder of the day of your surgery. If for some reason you are unable to begin your medication the day before surgery, take two pills the morning of surgery from “First Day” row and take remaining medication as prescribed.

PERIDEX ORAL RINSE

Peridex is a mouth rinse with antibacterial properties. It has been shown to decrease the chance of patients developing a dry socket. Swish with it the evening before your surgery and again in the morning before coming to the office. Do not use Peridex again until 24 hours after surgery. Then rinse twice a day for 4 days after surgery and discontinue. Prolonged use of Peridex (several weeks ) may cause staining of the teeth.

ANTIBIOTICS

Antibiotics are not routinely prescribed for simple extractions unless there is evidence of preoperative infection, or if patients are at a high risk of developing infections (ie Diabetes). If you are prescribed antibiotics (Penicillin, Keflex, Clindamycin, Erythromycin, Tetracyclines, etc.), you should complete the entire course. Erythromycins should be taken on an empty stomach. Tetracyclines should not be taken with milk products. Otherwise, antibiotics may be taken with food.

As with any drug, side effects and allergies may develop. If you develop a skin rash, difficulty breathing or diarrhea, stop taking all medicine and notify the doctor.

PHENERGAN or ZOFRAN

Phenergan or Zofran is used post operatively to prevent nausea and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, Phenergan or Zorfran should be taken with food thirty minutes prior to taking your pain medications.

PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE SURGERY APPOINTMENT